Mustang Minutes
Gemini Middle School - October 2023
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Dear Gemini Families,
Happy October!
Gemini continues to buzz with the excitement of student learning and engagement. Whether it's the harmonious melodies of our band and orchestra filling the hallways, the talented actors rehearsing tirelessly for the upcoming fall play, or the dedicated athletes giving their all on the after-school sports fields, this month showcases the remarkable diversity of talents and interests within our school. In addition to these activities, our Fall clubs have just started, offering students the chance to explore new interests and connect with like-minded peers.
As we embrace the spirit of October, let's celebrate not only the beautiful transformations happening in nature but also the growth, creativity, and dedication of our students as they make the most of their middle school experience.
Your Admin team,
Lewis, Erica, Wendy, David, & Tim
Get to Know Gemini
Picture Retakes!
Friday, Oct. 6
Save the date for picture retakes!
IMPORTANT: Students have to return their original proofs in order to do a retake.
Parent University Classes
Mr. Lee will be spearheading Parent University Classes this year designed to foster a strong partnership between the school and parent community. In order to provide topics that are relevant to parents, we ask that you take a few minutes to complete our survey to see which topics to present during these classes. Your input is greatly appreciated!
Social Media Awareness, Digital Citizenship, and Cyberbullying
District 63 will be hosting a webinar for parents/caregivers on Social Media Awareness, Digital Citizenship, and Cyberbullying. The session will be held at 6:00 PM on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. It will be a 90-minute session followed by a 30-minutes Q&A. More information will be shared as the date approaches.
Sports Updates
Winter Sports Information
Basketball informational meetings:
Boys Oct. 18
3:35 PM - 4:00 PM @ Learning Stairs
Girls Oct. 19
3:35 PM - 4:00 PM @ Learning Stairs
Basketball try-outs:
Boys 7th and 8th Oct. 23-24
3:35 PM - 5:00 PM @ Gold Gym
Boys 6th Grade Oct. 23-24
3:35 PM - 5:00 PM @ Mustang Gym
Girls 7th and 8th Oct. 25-26
3:35 PM - 5:00 PM @ Gold Gym
Girls 6th Grade Oct. 25- 26
3:35 PM - 5:00 PM @ Mustang Gym
Cheer Clinics information meeting:
Oct. 17
3:35 PM - 4:00 PM @ Learning Stairs
Clinics:
Oct. 23 & 24
3:35 PM - 5:00 PM @ Cafeteria
Cheer try outs:
Oct. 26
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM @ Cafeteria
Student Spectators
Fall sports are in full swing and we encourage students to come and support their friends from the sidelines.
Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind for our student spectators:
- If a Gemini student is staying to watch an after school sporting event, they must report to the school cafeteria by 3:35 PM.
- If a Gemini student leaves the school grounds and they want to return for a sporting event, they MUST be accompanied by a parent (and the parent must stay the entire time).
- If a student is absent from school on the day of the sporting event (or had an early dismissal), they are not permitted to attend the Gemini sporting event.
Game information
- Volleyball games normally end by 5:45pm. The student must be picked up by 6:00 PM.
- Soccer matches last an hour each.
- Cross country meets are finished by 5:30 PM.
- Check out the Full October Calendar.
Gemini Gear
In need of some Gemini gear? Look no further!
- VOLLEYBALL: https://parrotwear.com/gemini_volleyball
- CROSS COUNTRY: https://parrotwear.com/gemini_cross_country
- SOCCER: https://parrotwear.com/gemini_soccer
Fall Performing Arts Events
We are looking forward to many wonderful Mustang performances in the coming months. For all events in the Gemini Auditorium (Mustang Gym), please enter through Door 12. Thank you for supporting our performers.
Fall Play
Come see Gemini Drama’s fall play, The Epic Quest of the Damsels in Distress by Kenneth Wasemann!
It’s hard being a girl! Especially in a fairy-tale land where everyone expects you to be a damsel in distress. Well, these four young ladies are just not having it!
Our story opens with Isadora, who doesn’t like seeming helpless after being abandoned in the forest by her father. She much prefers feeling strong and self-sufficient, especially once she pulls an ancient sword from a stone! Isadora soon meets Beatrice, a lady-in-waiting, who honestly finds life in the castle quite boring. Winifred joins the spirited pair next, having always lived alone in the forest, concocting potions and practicing spells. The trio is joined by the notorious Masked Maven, a young woman with many secrets.
Seeking excitement, the foursome journey on a comical adventure through a fairy-tale land of magic and monsters, royal fanfare and fairies, as they prove they can ably find their own way through the world, strong and independent. Along the way, they encounter angry villagers, arrogant princes, mischievous fairies, and even a dragon or two!
Tickets: $1 for students; $6 for adults
Thursday, Oct. 19 - 4:30 PM in the Gemini Auditorium
Friday, Oct. 20 - 7:00 PM in the Gemini Auditorium
Saturday, Oct. 21 - 2:00 PM in the Gemini Auditorium
Orchestra Fall Concert
Admission is free
Wednesday, Nov. 1 - 6:00 PM in the Gemini Auditorium
Band Fall Concert
Admission is free
Thursday, Nov. 9 - 6:00 PM in the Gemini Auditorium
Choir Fall Concert
Admission is free
Tuesday, Nov. 14 - 6:00 PM in the Gemini Auditorium
Dance Concert
Admission is free
Thursday, Dec. 14 - 6:00 PM in the Gemini Auditorium
Library Updates
General Gemini Library Information
We have had some busy readers in the library! All students have participated in library orientations, and some classes have been in to learn more about our online catalog program, Destiny Discover. Did you know that students can access Destiny Discover any time from Classlink, where they can view their current checkouts, overdue books, and place books on hold? Please contact Kris Buican or Jillian Wahlers if you have any questions.
Famished for Fiction
One of our favorite library activities is back this year! We are joined by librarians from Morton Grove and Niles-Maine to share some of our favorite book suggestions. Last month, we featured books that are on the Caudill List. Later this month, we will feature books from the horror genre. Students will be able to get passes to attend this fun program later in the month from their ELA teachers.
Community Libraries
Our community libraries continue to provide wonderful programs for students. Please check out your local library’s teen page to see what is new!
Gemini Travel Club
Support the Gemini Travel Club!
The Travel Club's annual fundraiser is here once again! With your help, we can provide things like busing to and from O'Hare airport, a travel club hoodie to keep warm while out on tour, a photo book for each traveler, and even some extra excursions on the trip.
How to join?
Enrollment is open to all current 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students, but space is limited! Enroll now and travel during your 7th or 8th grade year.
Highlights of the DC/NYC trip include:
Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum
Tour the Smithsonian campus
Catch a Broadway show
and so much more!
Click here to reserve your seats for the meeting and come learn about this amazing student travel opportunity!
For more information contact Mr. Thayer (athayer@emsd63.org) with any questions.
Halloween
A few things about Halloween at Gemini:
- We do not have school or classroom Halloween celebrations.
- Students can dress up as long as what they wear is within the dress code (hats are allowed for this day) and the costume does not have masks or accessories that impede learning.
- Whatever the student is wearing should be something they can be comfortable in for the entire day.
- Please refrain from sending your child to school with candy or treats to share with other children.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration @ Niles Teen Center
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
Save the date: Oct. 10th
Please join us on the second Tuesday of the month (Oct. 10) from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM for our monthly meeting. We will meet in Gemini's Library on the 2nd floor. A remote option will be available as well. The link will be shared closer to the date of the meeting.
Portillos Fundraiser
Student Grades
Grades
Did you know you can use the Parent Portal to check your child's grades or assignments for each class? Parents can also elect to be notified when changes are made in the grade book; this can be set up in the parent portal.
If you have forgotten your username and password, please get in touch with our main office via email or phone for support.
Breakfast and Lunch Information
Breakfast
- Breakfast is available from 8:00 - 8:20 AM each morning in our school cafeteria. Bus riders will enter Door 6 once they arrive. Car riders and walkers will enter at Door 2 or Door 13.
- Students entering the school for breakfast must purchase a breakfast. If they do not purchase a breakfast, they will be escorted back outside and will wait with everybody else.
Lunch
- We do NOT accept student lunches from food delivery services such as Uber Eats, Grubhub, etc. If food is delivered from a delivery service, we will send them away with the order. A parent or family member is the only person from whom we will accept a lunch delivery for a student.
Cell Phone/Personal Electronic Device Policy - Please Review
Personal electronic devices must be powered off and stored in the student’s locker during school hours. If you need to get in contact with your child, please call the school office directly.
We have two types of violations regarding cell phones and other electronic devices: unintentional and intentional.
Unintentional
The student was found in possession of a personal electronic device and/or has the device on his or her body but was not using it.
- First violation: The item is taken from the student and placed in the office. The student can pick up the item in the office at the end of the day.
- Second violation: The item is taken from the student and placed in the office and the adult who confiscated the item will contact a parent.
- Third violation: The item is taken from the student and placed in the office. A parent will be contacted and must pick up the item from the office.
- Fourth violation: The item is taken from the student and placed in the office. A parent will be contacted and must pick up the item from the office. Upon entering school each day the student will need to take the item directly to the office and check it in. They will then check it back out at the end of the school day.
The student was found in possession of a personal electronic device and/or has the device on his or her body and was actively using the device. Examples of intentional use may include but are not limited to the following: calling, texting, social media use, listening to music, camera, etc.
- First violation: The item is taken from the student and placed in the office. A parent will be contacted and must pick up the item from the office.
- Second violation: The item is taken from the student and placed in the office. A parent will be contacted and must pick up the item from the office. Upon entering school each day, the student must take the item directly to the office and check it in. They will then check it back out at the end of the school day.
Gemini Social Media
- We encourage you to follow us on our website and social media, this is a great way to stay informed.
- Gemini Website
- Gemini Twitter @D63Gemini
- Gemini Instagram @geminid63
D63 Family Resource Center
Upcoming Events
October
2: Custodian Appreciation Day
6: Picture Retake Day
9: Indigenous Peoples Day
10: PTO Meeting
13: School Improvement Day - early dismissal
19-21: Fall Play: "The Epic Quest of the Damsels in Distress"
20: End of 1st Quarter
26: Social Media Awareness, Digital Citizenship, and Cyberbullying webinar
27: Report Cards Emailed Home
November
1: Orchestra Fall Concert
1: Gemini PTO Portillos Fundraiser
4: Dia de los Muertos Celebration @ Niles Teen Center
5: Daylight Savings Ends
9: Band Fall Concert
10: School Improvement Day - early dismissal
14: Choir Fall Concert
17: Parent Teacher Conferences - no school
20-24: Thanksgiving Break - no school
Upcoming Sporting Events
- Check out the October sports calendar
#hereatgemini
Email: gemini411@emsd63.org
Website: https://gemini.emsd63.org/
Location: 8955 North Greenwood Avenue, Niles, IL, USA
Phone: (847) 827-1181
Twitter: @D63Gemini
Office Hours: Monday- Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. on days when students are in the building.